There are many college courses offered specifically for veterans, but not many about veterans.

That will change in the spring semester at Missoula College with a new course on veterans studies, made possible by a $97,000 grant from the National Endowment For The Humanities.

Associate Dean Clint Reading said the idea came from a retired officer with the U.S. Army who is studying for her doctorate at the University of Montana.

"We were approached by a grad student at the University of Montana, Lt. Col. Elizabeth Barrs, who came to us from Eastern Kentucky University, where she had been teaching a very similar course. So, she's here now and working on a PhD, and  is very keen on keeping that research going. She approached us and we found a grant and the ball got rolling."

Reading said the course will look at the history of U.S. military veterans, from the Revolutionary War to the present Gulf War conflicts.

"The focus will be on the Vietnam era forward, and the interaction between vets as they were coming back out of the service to civilian life," he said. "We've already had a lot of interest from veterans themselves to learn more about their history. It's a great opportunity to connect and see how both sides live."

Reading said the course is still in its formative stages, and should be available in the spring semester of 2018. Call Missoula College and ask for a registration counselor. The number is 243-7811, or visit their website. 

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